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FAQs

Q: What is Community Living Alliance (CLA)?

A: CLA is a community based, non-profit organization that provides community resources primarily for people with physical disabilities. CLA was created and is governed by people with disabilities. People with disabilities wrote the organization's mission statement and by-laws. CLA is a membership organization. Members receive services from us. Members also elect representatives to the Board of Directors and are actively encouraged to participate in program development, operation and evaluations. CLA is an alliance. An alliance is a union, or a coalition, of people. Everyone connected with CLA, members, Board, volunteers and staff, is allied in creating options for people with disabilities to live independently. CLA provides access to social, health and community resources through three primary programs: Service Coordination (CIP/COP), Medical Assistance Personal Care (MAPC), and Wisconsin Partnership (WPP) Program.

Q: What services does CLA provide?

A: Community Living Alliance offers long-term support for services such as personal care (i.e. bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and eating); chore services (i.e. house cleaning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and laundry); and purchase of equipment or services (i.e. cab vouchers, grab bars for bathrooms, medical supplies, etc.). In addition, our Wisconsin Partnership Program provides medical case management and primary health care services for all of its members.

Q: Do I have to pay for services at Community Living Alliance?

A: In some instances you may have a cost share for services you receive depending on your income. This cost share will be determined during the enrollment process. In many cases however, there may not be any cost for services or the cost may be minimal.

Q: Will there be eligibility criteria for receiving services from CLA?

A: Yes. People seeking services from CLA will need to be eligible for the Wisconsin Medical Assistance or Medicaid Program. To learn more about Wisconsin Medicaid, visit the Medicaid site. If you live in Dane County and wish to apply for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) please call the Dane County Economic Support office at 1-(608)-261-9900.

Q: Do I have to have Medical Assistance at the time I apply for services with Community Living Alliance?

A: No, you do not have to be eligible for Medical Assistance at the time of application however, you will not be able to receive services in any of the programs we currently have available until you have established Medical Assistance eligibility. See the question above for more information about establishing your eligibility for the Wisconsin Medical Assistance program.

Q: How long does it take to receive services from CLA?

A: The length of time to receive services varies depending upon the programs for which you have applied. The Wisconsin Partnership Program, Medical Assistance Personal Care Program and the Community Integration/Community Options Program all currently have waiting lists. It is important for applicants to have their names placed on the waiting list as soon as possible because the waiting lists fluctuate based on funding. Please note that application to any program does not automatically guarantee services. Applicants must meet criteria determined by the State for each program and will be assessed by program staff using these criteria. Applicants for the Wisconsin Partnership program and the Medical Assistance Personal Care program may be served more quickly if they can provide CLA with names of individuals interested in providing personal care and chore services for them.

Q: Can you serve someone who does not have a primary diagnosis of a physical disability?

A: Yes, the Medical Assistance Personal Care (MAPC) program can serve people regardless of their disability, provided they are: medically stable, can direct their own cares or have someone who can direct cares for them, and need at least three hours of personal care assistance five days per week. Please note there are no age restrictions in the Medical Assistance Personal Care program (MAPC).

Q: Does CLA provide housing?

A: Despite our name, Community Living Alliance does not offer housing. For assistance locating housing please contact Access To Independence at 1-(608)-242-8484.

Q: Does CLA provide direct financial assistance?

A: Community Living Alliance (CLA) does not offer direct financial assistance. Although, services offered through CLA may offset expenses for some transportation, personal and medical needs.

Q: What is the difference between Community Living Alliance and the Wisconsin Partnership Program?

A: The Wisconsin Partnership Program is one of three programs provided by Community Living Alliance. The other two programs offered by Community Living Alliance are the Medical Assistance Personal Care program (MAPC) and the Community Integration/Community Options program (CIP/COP). To learn more about the Wisconsin Partnership Program and to find out if services are offered in your area go to the Partnership site.

Q: How do I locate services similar to those offered by Community Living Alliance in other counties and states?

A: Contact the Department of Health and Human Services or the Independent Living Center in the county which you will be moving to, in order to learn what services are available for people with physical disabilities. The following links will help:
A list of Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin (by County).
A list of Disability Resource Centers.
The Community Options Program (by County and Tribal contacts).
The Dane County Human Services main page offers links to resources.
This Dane County Human Services page lists services available for people with physical disabilities.

Q: Are there any other services you provide?

A: Yes, if you are on SSI and have a primary diagnosis of a physical disability and between the ages of 18 and 64 you may be eligible for the Exceptional Expensive Supplement (SSI-E). The CLA Intake Department can assist you in applying for this supplement.

Q: What does the weird CLA logo mean?

A: The CLA logo, the "well", is from the Chinese Book of Changes. Wells symbolize cooperation, and mutual responsibility. In ancient China every neighbor who shared the well had the right to take what they needed and the responsibility to take care of the well. To use the well you must cooperate with your neighbors and be self-reliant at the same time.